inveterate

in·vet·er·ate

adjective \in-ˈve-t(ə-)rət\

Definition of INVETERATE

1

: firmly established by long persistence <the inveterate tendency to overlook the obvious>

2

: confirmed in a habit : habitual <an inveterate liar>

— in·vet·er·ate·ly adverb

Examples of INVETERATE

1. his inveterate tendency to overlook the obvious
2. <he has an inveterate tendency to tell some very tall tales>

Origin of INVETERATE

Middle English, from Latin inveteratus, from past participle of inveterare to age (v.t.), from in- + veter-, vetus old — more at wether

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to INVETERATE

Synonyms

bred-in-the-bone, confirmed, deep, deep-rooted, deep-seated, entrenched (also intrenched), hard-core, rooted, settled

Related Words

firm, fixed, frozen, hard, hard-and-fast, immutable, irradicable, set, unalterable, unchangeable; embedded (also imbedded), implanted, inculcated, instilled; inborn, inbred, ingrained (also engrained), inherent, innate, integral, intrinsic, natural; accustomed, chronic, customary, habitual, regular, typical, usual; abiding, enduring, lifelong, persistent, persisting

Near Antonyms

brief, ephemeral, fleeting, impermanent, interim, momentary, provisional, short-lived, short-term, temporary, transient

Synonym Discussion of INVETERATE

inveterate, confirmed, chronic mean firmly established. inveterate applies to a habit, attitude, or feeling of such long existence as to be practically ineradicable or unalterable <an inveterate smoker>. confirmed implies a growing stronger and firmer with time so as to resist change or reform <a confirmed bachelor>. chronic suggests something that is persistent or endlessly recurrent and troublesome <a chronic complainer>.

in·vet·er·ate

adjective \in-ˈvet-ə-rət, -ˈve-trət\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of INVETERATE

1

: marked by long duration or frequent recurrence <inveterate bursitis>

2

: confirmed in a habit : habitual 2 <an inveterate smoker>